Pampering the Pets

Pampered Pets Will Bring You Lots of Love

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October 11, 2015

Protecting your dog or cat from fleas and ticks is an important part of responsible pet care.

You’ve seen them – tiny, quick creatures that scurry through your cat’s fur, feasting on her blood, and causing painful itching – so bad that kitty may scratch herself raw in seeking relief. If you have a bad flea infestation in a multiple-cat household, you’ve probably been bitten yourself by these voracious feeders, and you may even have seen them hopping through your carpeting. (Did you know a flea can jump 33 cm. in one leap – over a foot?) I’m here to tell you – cat flea control is not only possible, it’s relatively easy.

The most common flea which feeds off cats, dogs, and humans, is the Ctenocephalides felis. If you observe your cat scratching and aren’t sure if fleas are the cause, use a flea comb on your cat and observe the tiny black dots that emerge on the comb – we commonly call it “flea dirt,” but in reality, it is the excrement the flea leaves. Smash some with a damp paper towel, and it will turn red – that’s the residue from your cat’s blood – and a warning that cat flea control is indicated.

As if the itching and stinging weren’t enough, fleas also transmit other conditions which can even have a more deleterious effect on your cat’s health. In one day, a single flea can bite your cat or dog more than 400 times! Flea bites can cause itching, rash and allergic dermatitis that can lead to hair loss. Fleas can transmit tapeworms to pets, and their bites may even cause anemia in young, old or ill animals.

Fleas are most common in warm, humid areas and can be found year-round in flea-friendly climates such as the Gulf Coast states and Southern California. Their peak season in other parts of the country is generally May through September, although weather conditions may extend that season.

Ticks thrive in a moist, shaded environment and are especially common in heavily wooded regions and areas with a lot of brush and grass. Tick season is worst during warm months, usually late spring through summer in most parts of the U.S. They are found most often in the eastern states, the Upper Midwest, and parts of Texas and the Pacific Northwest. Consequently, these same areas have the highest occurrence of tick-borne illnesses including Lyme disease.

With today’s technology, there is no excuse for living with a flea infestation. You’ll need to use a complete “shotgun” approach with flea control to break the cycle, followed by an ongoing flea prevention program. Flea control is best achieved through a four step process. Good sanitation, pet treatment, premise treatment and follow-up are all critical to good flea control.